Deployment Day 2

I went to Rob's house today and picked up the mail and just generally checked on things. When we left yesterday it was 4 in the morning and I wanted to make sure we hadn't overlooked anything. As I was looking into Carter's room it got me to thinking about how Carter was taking this deployment. For several days before Rob left Carter was telling me he was sad and not happy. More than once he cried and said he didn't want his dad to leave. I thought he had only told me but he was saying the same things to his dad. Rob had already said this was going to be his last deployment and I think that Carter's feelings helped to make him realize that his decisions were having a bigger effect than he thought. 

In the past Carter was not all that upset that Rob was leaving. I think that was because of Carter's age. Younger kids don't have a real idea of what time is or how many days 4 months or 12 months are. Carter now understands and knows that he will not see his dad again till Summer and school is out. I also think he is more aware of what is happening in Iraq and that his dad could be hurt. Several times Carter has asked about the bad guys and if dad knew how to use his rifle. I think as adults we sometimes forget just how preceptive and smart kids can be but he still only 7 years old and he has a 7 year olds fear of loss. 

I next walked into Rob's room to check on things there and as I was looking at his empty bed I started to cry. You see I have a 56 year olds fear of loss and a more active imagination and realization of what could happen. I have heard all the talk of heros and how they are doing such a great thing for the USA and the world but that is cold comfort to the 4000 parents that have seen that delegation from the base commander's office at the door. 

The house was okay and I locked things  up and left. Has anybody seen the key to my heart.